New services to help keep domestic violence victims safe

Victims of domestic and family violence in Gladstone and surrounds will have access to greater support with an extra $3.7 million in funding over five years announced for local services.

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic and Family Violence Shannon Fentiman said the Government was investing $22.5 million in extra funding over five years for Central Queensland services to help keep victims safe and hold perpetrators to account.

“Domestic violence is having a devastating impact on our Queensland community, including here in Central Queensland. It is vital we have local services available when people make the brave decision to seek help,” Ms Fentiman said.

“Better access to specialist counselling, information and support can make all the difference to people affected by domestic and family violence.

“These new services aim to help improve the safety and wellbeing of victims, increase public awareness of domestic violence and make perpetrators more responsible for their abusive behaviour.”

Gladstone Women’s Health Centre will receive $3.7 million over five years to provide services including adults and children’s counselling, court support and coordination activities to integrate local services more effectively. It will also deliver services to the Banana Shire, including Biloela.

Additional funding will also be provided to services in Rockhampton, Emerald, Longreach, Bundaberg, Maryborough/Hervey Bay and South Burnett.

Member for Gladstone, Glenn Butcher, said the new services would provide valuable help for victims of domestic and family violence.

“As the first male associate member of the Gladstone Women’s Health Centre, I know first-hand the extraordinary work they do and how much this funding will mean in terms of the extra services they can provide,” Mr Butcher said.

The funding is part of an overall $49 million commitment over five years to increase local services working to tackle domestic and family violence and delivers on a number of recommendations in the Not Now, Not Ever report

For more information on the Government’s actions to tackle domestic and family violence in Queensland go to www.communities.qld.gov.au/gateway/end-domestic-and-family-violence/queensland-government-response

Media contact:  Alex Purnell – 0437 336 232